Windows 8 – Gigaomhttp://gigaom.com
The industry leader in emerging technology researchThu, 17 Aug 2017 12:00:16 +0000en-UShourly1Cortana is eventually headed to Windows 8, says Microsoft employeehttp://gigaom.com/2014/06/16/cortana-is-eventually-headed-to-windows-8-says-microsoft-employee/
Mon, 16 Jun 2014 15:49:15 +0000http://gigaom.com/?p=850079When Cortana(s msft), Microsoft’s voice-activated assistant, was first introduced to the world, it was predicted that it would be cross-platform and available across a variety of devices, including laptops and the Xbox. While Cortana is currently a standout feature in Microsoft’s Windows Phone 8.1 operating system, it hasn’t made its way to other Microsoft operating systems yet. According to statements made by Marcus Ash, a Microsoft employee and Cortana manager, not only might Cortana be headed for Windows 8, but it also could be ported to iOS(s appl) and Android(s goog) at some point in the future.

A video from the SMX search marketing conference last week finds Ash expanding on challenges facing Cortana and its adoption. For instance, how do you reach the the customers who use Microsoft software on the desktop but not on a mobile device? Ash talked about Cortana as a major reason for a consumer to adopt Windows Phone over other platforms, but didn’t rule an Android or iOS port out.

Clarifying his position later in a long comment posted on Windows Phone Central, Ash explained Cortana would likely make its way to Microsoft’s desktop platform before iOS or Android:

“We are actively thinking about what it takes to expand Cortana to Windows devices. Nothing official to report but we want our Windows device customers to experience Cortana at some point in the future.”

Ash also suggested that one day, personal assistants might be a a reason to choose one platform over another: “If you play this out five to ten years, and these assistants become the reason you choose Android or iOS or Windows, then what’s our [cross-platform] position?”

Google and Apple have different approaches to this exact problem. Google Now is available on most major platforms, including through Chrome notifications or its Google search app on iOS, and it gets prominent placement on Android handsets. Siri is limited to iOS, although Apple has started to incorporate more of a voice interface into OS X Mavericks. It’s hard to imagine Siri ever being released as a standalone Windows Phone app.

Cortana is a hybrid of Google Now and Siri’s features, and although it’s still in beta, it’s a great piece of software. Combining contextual alerts and a voice interface works extremely well on the phone — but as more attention is paid to set-top boxes and wearable technology, it could find a solid niche in those areas as well. Microsoft keeping the door open to cross-platform implementations is a smart move.

However, that doesn’t mean Windows Phone will be an afterthought, even if it remains in third place in the market. According to a tweet sent by Ash, Cortana’s “showcase experience” will always be on Windows Phone.

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]]>Microsoft reportedly pulled the rumored Surface Mini at the last minutehttp://gigaom.com/2014/05/20/microsoft-reportedly-pulled-the-rumored-surface-mini-at-the-last-minute/
http://gigaom.com/2014/05/20/microsoft-reportedly-pulled-the-rumored-surface-mini-at-the-last-minute/#commentsTue, 20 May 2014 21:45:45 +0000http://gigaom.com/?p=843277When Microsoft(s msft) announced the Surface Pro 3 on Tuesday, a lot of people were surprised it didn’t announce a Windows RT-based “Surface Mini,” as had been rumored for weeks before the event. Microsoft did in fact have a Surface Mini in development but pulled it recently because CEO Satya Nadella and Executive VP Stephen Elop thought it “wouldn’t be a hit,” according to a report from Bloomberg. Nadella and Elop’s reported concerns echo what my colleague Kevin Tofel said last month when he reviewed the Dell Venue 8, a full Windows 8 tablet at the same likely size and price range as the unreleased Mini.
]]>http://gigaom.com/2014/05/20/microsoft-reportedly-pulled-the-rumored-surface-mini-at-the-last-minute/feed/2Chinese government reportedly puts kibosh on Windows 8http://gigaom.com/2014/05/20/chinese-government-reportedly-puts-kibosh-on-windows-8/
http://gigaom.com/2014/05/20/chinese-government-reportedly-puts-kibosh-on-windows-8/#commentsTue, 20 May 2014 13:08:11 +0000http://gigaom.com/?p=843042China has banned the use of Windows 8 by government officials, according to a Reuters report. The decision by the government’s central buying authority to nix the platform was announced as part of an energy-saving campaign, although no other details were forthcoming. Windows 8’s predecessor, Windows XP, was popular in China, but Microsoft(s msft) ended support for that version on April 8.

Reuters also cited a Xinhua report that security issues were another factor in the government’s decision.

Another account of the decision, from Industry Leaders Magazine, reiterated that and included a statement from Yan Xiaohong, deputy director of China’s National Copyright Administration, who said:

“Security problems could arise because of a lack of technical support after Microsoft stopped providing services, making computers with XP vulnerable to hackers…Windows 8 is fairly expensive and will increase government procurement costs.”

He added that the government was negotiating with Microsoft on the issue.

A Microsoft spokeswoman responding to a request for comment said the China Central Government Procurement Center posted a notification Tuesday morning indicating that Windows 8 was excluded from the bidding. She wrote:

“We were surprised to learn about the reference to Windows 8 in this notice. Microsoft has been working proactively with the Central Government Procurement Center and other government agencies through the evaluation process to ensure that our products and services meet all government procurement requirements. We have been and will continue to provide Windows 7 to government customers. At the same time, we are working on the Window 8 evaluation with relevant government agencies. “

]]>http://gigaom.com/2014/05/20/chinese-government-reportedly-puts-kibosh-on-windows-8/feed/2Microsoft tweaks Windows 7 retirement plan to allow business PC sales after October cut-offhttp://gigaom.com/2014/02/17/microsoft-tweaks-windows-7-retirement-plan-to-allow-business-pc-sales-after-october-cut-off/
http://gigaom.com/2014/02/17/microsoft-tweaks-windows-7-retirement-plan-to-allow-business-pc-sales-after-october-cut-off/#commentsMon, 17 Feb 2014 12:48:04 +0000http://gigaom.com/?p=817557Microsoft(s msft) will continue to allow PC manufacturers to make and sell Windows 7 business machines beyond the original 31 October cut-off date. The change of plan, spotted by ZDNet’s Mary Jo Foley, suggests Microsoft hasn’t seen sufficient enthusiasm from the business sector for its Windows 8 operating system (although a Microsoft exec denied this interpretation, telling Foley the company just wants to continue catering to businesses that are still deploying Windows 7). However, it should still be impossible to find a new Windows 7 consumer PC soon after the end of October.
]]>http://gigaom.com/2014/02/17/microsoft-tweaks-windows-7-retirement-plan-to-allow-business-pc-sales-after-october-cut-off/feed/2Office for iPad may yet arrive before a Windows touch versionhttp://gigaom.com/2014/02/14/office-for-ipad-may-yet-arrive-before-a-windows-touch-version/
http://gigaom.com/2014/02/14/office-for-ipad-may-yet-arrive-before-a-windows-touch-version/#commentsFri, 14 Feb 2014 20:39:15 +0000http://gigaom.com/?p=817312Microsoft’s(s msft) marketing chief Tami Reller gave the impression to some at Goldman Sachs’ technology conference Thursday that Office for non-Windows platforms isn’t go to happen. That’s a direct contradiction of statements by then-CEO, Steve Ballmer, in September of last year. So which is it: Is Office for iPad(s aapl) coming or not?

Of course, there’s still opportunity for a more touch friendly Office for Windows too. While Microsoft Windows tablets can run the desktop version of Office, the touch targets are generally too small without some system setting modifications; the software is still best when using a trackpad or mouse, not a touchscreen tablet.

]]>http://gigaom.com/2014/02/14/office-for-ipad-may-yet-arrive-before-a-windows-touch-version/feed/4New Microsoft CEO says company needs to focus on and “reimagine” the mobile worldhttp://gigaom.com/2014/02/04/satya-nadella-ceo-windows-phone-mobile/
http://gigaom.com/2014/02/04/satya-nadella-ceo-windows-phone-mobile/#commentsTue, 04 Feb 2014 15:52:09 +0000http://gigaom.com/?p=813673Microsoft has named its third CEO, with Satya Nadella taking the reins from Steve Ballmer and Bill Gates before him. Gates is staying on as technology advisor and Ballmer retains his board seat. So will it be business as usual for Microsoft(s msft)? I doubt it: Nadella has already made it clear that there’s still plenty of opportunity and change a-coming for Microsoft when it comes to mobile.

First words: mobile, mobile, mobile

In his first note to Microsoft employees, Nadella specifically calls out the mobile market, makes little mention of the traditional Windows business and just notes cloud in passing; interesting since Nadella was Microsoft’s cloud chief:

“In our early history, our mission was about the PC on every desk and home, a goal we have mostly achieved in the developed world. Today we’re focused on a broader range of devices. While the deal is not yet complete, we will welcome to our family Nokia devices and services and the new mobile capabilities they bring us.

As we look forward, we must zero in on what Microsoft can uniquely contribute to the world. The opportunity ahead will require us to reimagine a lot of what we have done in the past for a mobile and cloud-first world, and do new things.”

To me, this signals more than just the passing of the CEO torch.

Finally, Microsoft has a CEO who truly understands that the company is witnessing a transformative change in the way people compute. And the only way Microsoft can continue to be a “go-to” name in consumer computing is to embrace the change.

The device strategy

Clearly, the purchase of Nokia(s nok) is a big step toward putting mobile first. Microsoft paid $7.2 billion for Nokia’s handset business (the deal hasn’t closed quite yet) and, as a result, has more control over the destiny of Windows Phone hardware. Working with Nokia, Microsoft can help craft the hardware and keep the software working in harmony.

Some believe Microsoft would never allow Nokia to create and sell such a device, but I suspect Nadella thinks as I do: By pushing lower-cost devices with Microsoft apps and services into emerging markets, Microsoft has a foot in the door when those customers step up to more capable smartphones. Nadella said Microsoft needs to “do new things,” and I can’t think of a better example of the Normandy replacing Nokia’s Asha line of handsets.

After current plans are executed, we’ll see the change

What else can we expect on the mobile front with a new CEO?

Obviously, Microsoft is a big company and change takes a long time. As a result, I don’t think much will be different in the short term. I still anticipate that Microsoft’s Build event in April will push more merging between Microsoft’s Windows Phone and Windows 8.1 in terms of code and common services; that will help developers create apps across the platforms with less effort.

After that strategy is communicated publicly and implemented, we should see more of the Nadella effect. For example, Microsoft hasn’t made many comments on wearable devices; perhaps an addition to this year’s Build event includes a base SDK for developers to bring Windows to the wrist, glasses or clothing. Given Nadella’s cloud background, I could also envision more detailed strategies for Microsoft in the Internet of Things and smarthomes.

It’s reasonable to expect that as the company’s cloud commander, Nadella already had insight — and even input — into Microsoft’s longer-term vision for mobile.

But Microsoft isn’t in a position to stop and turn on a dime if Nadella wants to make change right way. I give it a good six months. At that point, we’ll have a much better idea of whether the company under Nadella will be the Microsoft of old — or a freshly reinvigorated company that brings innovation to and better understands the mobile computing world of today and tomorrow.

]]>http://gigaom.com/2014/02/04/satya-nadella-ceo-windows-phone-mobile/feed/1Use a mouse? Then you’ll likely love the upcoming Windows 8.1 updatehttp://gigaom.com/2014/02/03/use-a-mouse-then-youll-likely-love-the-upcoming-windows-8-1-update/
http://gigaom.com/2014/02/03/use-a-mouse-then-youll-likely-love-the-upcoming-windows-8-1-update/#commentsMon, 03 Feb 2014 16:16:06 +0000http://gigaom.com/?p=813306Early builds of the Windows 8.1 Update 1 software leaked online over the weekend and The Verge showed off a number of new Windows 8.1 screenshots on Sunday evening. The visual changes make it clear that Microsoft(s msft) is working to further blend the traditional mouse and keyboard Desktop environment with the tiled, touch-friendly Metro interface.

This version of the software was compiled on January 14 and it shows the running Metro applications in the Desktop taskbar, just like regular PC apps. That makes it easier to see which apps are open from the Desktop instead of having to swipe in from the left side of the screen, which is trickier to do with a mouse than with a touchscreen.

In the Metro interface, right-clicking an app with the mouse or trackpad shows options to resize it or pin it to or from the Start screen or the taskbar. The computer’s power button also appears directly on the Start screen in Metro, making it faster to access. And Metro apps now get a title bar, just like traditional Windows apps: You can minimize or snap them with a mouse click from here.

The changes illustrate the challenge Microsoft has faced since Windows 8 arrived. The company is in a “damned if you do, damned if you don’t” situation.

On the one hand, Microsoft’s traditional Windows interface isn’t designed for touch devices such as tablets — hence the tiled Metro user interface and apps. On the other hand, legacy Windows users still rely on their mice or trackpads, along with keyboards, to do their work. By sticking solely with that interface, Microsoft would have no chance on tablets or other mobile devices.

Until Microsoft’s Build developer event takes place in April, we won’t know for sure if the leaked build is simply a one-off for testing. I suspect it’s not, however. Blending the Desktop and Metro interfaces would reduce some of the back-and-forth that people don’t like in Windows 8.1.

I’m also expecting more blending under the hood. If Microsoft can share more code and APIs between Windows Phone, Windows RT (if it’s still going to be around), and Windows 8.1, developers can broaden their audience across Microsoft’s platforms.

]]>http://gigaom.com/2014/02/03/use-a-mouse-then-youll-likely-love-the-upcoming-windows-8-1-update/feed/6Report: Next Windows 8.1 update in March to slim down the softwarehttp://gigaom.com/2014/01/24/report-next-windows-8-1-update-in-march-to-slim-down-the-software/
Fri, 24 Jan 2014 17:33:31 +0000http://gigaom.com/?p=805233Update 1 for Windows 8.1(s msft) could hit in March but don’t expect major visible changes. Noted Microsoft watcher Mary Jo Foley reported the expected software release on Friday, with her sources saying March 11 is the planned day. With Microsoft’s Build developer event in April, Update 1 is very likely a minor tweak to Microsoft’s operating system.

Per Foley, don’t expect the Start menu to be tweaked too heavily, if at all:

That doesn’t mean the update won’t be useful, though. Foley’s sources say Update 1 will trim and slim the software so that it could work on devices with less memory and hard drive space. That’s ideal for Intel(s intc) Atom-powered tablets, some of which come with 2 GB of memory and relatively limited storage, for example.

Bigger changes for Windows are expected out of the Build conference in early April. I’ve heard various reports of Microsoft merging Windows RT with Windows Phone to some degree but it’s possible that’s really part of a broader merger of sorts. With more shared code and APIs made available to developers, it would be beneficial if apps could be written once to run on all of Microsoft’s Windows products, for example, on phones, tablets and traditional PCs.

If that happens, it could attract more developers to the platform as it increases the range of devices their apps can be sold on.

]]>HP just can’t quit Windows 7http://gigaom.com/2014/01/20/hp-just-cant-quit-windows-7/
http://gigaom.com/2014/01/20/hp-just-cant-quit-windows-7/#commentsMon, 20 Jan 2014 16:42:52 +0000http://gigaom.com/?p=803708Poor Windows 8. Hewlett-Packard(s hpq) is promoting PCs running Windows 7 in a “back by popular demand” promotion on its website. Kudos to The Verge’s Tom Warren for spotting and reporting on this noteworthy tidbit. Best Buy is also sending out emailed ads pointing to its own promotion.

For Microsoft this is bad news because it really, really wants folks to move along to its newer and more touchy-feely Windows 8, which launched in October 2012. Windows 7 is, after all, four years old. Meanwhile, HP — and some other constituencies want to know what the big rush is. (Windows 9 is reportedly on tap for a 2015 release.)

As has been pointed out ad nauseum,Microsoft Windows is a victim of its own success. Various incarnations of the OS run hundreds of millions of desktops and laptops, but the percentage of those devices running Windows 8 is anyone’s guess, and WInodws 9 is rumored to be due next year. The venerable Windows XP, which launched in 2001 (!), will be “end of lifed” in April, sparking massive upgrades for tens of thousands of ATMs that run the OS as well as millions of PCs. But Microsoft is waffling even on that, recently saying it will provide malware updates for XP into July 2015.

The fact that HP, once one of Microsoft hardware BFFs, is so publicly touting an old version of Windows shows a further unraveling of that alliance. A cynic might suggest that HP is touting Windows 7 because its current hardware isn’t up to Windows 8 standards

]]>http://gigaom.com/2014/01/20/hp-just-cant-quit-windows-7/feed/8Here’s why Nokia’s version of Android looks just like Windows Phonehttp://gigaom.com/2014/01/16/heres-why-nokias-version-of-android-looks-just-like-windows-phone/
http://gigaom.com/2014/01/16/heres-why-nokias-version-of-android-looks-just-like-windows-phone/#commentsThu, 16 Jan 2014 19:59:35 +0000http://gigaom.com/?p=792563More details leaked online about Nokia’s(s nok) Normandy handset, a reported Android(s goog) phone the company is working on. A pair of home screen images appeared on Thursday, courtesy of the well-connected @evleaks. You’d be hard pressed to see anything remotely looking like Android though. The user interface is far more reminiscent of Windows Phone(s msft).

While Microsoft’s BUILD developer event is still more than two months away, it’s anticipated that the company will further merge Windows Phone with Windows RT. And even more of the developer tools, APIs and services are expected to support both these and Windows 8.1 together. To me that means Microsoft is scaling Windows Phone up and if that is indeed the case, the platform may be too much for hardware that’s typically in the Asha lineup.

If so, Microsoft needs a platform that can run low-cost handsets where it can develop and cultivate a place for its software and services. The S40 platform isn’t it. Android, however, can be if Microsoft is willing to invest in it.

Based on what we’re seeing from the Normandy, I think the company is willing. And why not when it would then have greater access to billions who either can’t afford a high-end Windows Phone or live in areas where network infrastructure is still maturing?

If I’m right, I’d peg the “new” Asha news in early April at BUILD. When Microsoft speaks about platform strategies there, the time is perfect to introduce the new Android phones that will get Microsoft apps and services into low-cost phones around the globe. And if done correctly, Microsoft will have a chance to convert those Asha users into full-fledged Windows Phone buyers in the future.